The Weekly Wanderer: Top of the League

This weekend the Wanderers will look to start the new year the same way they finished the last one: with a win.

With this Friday’s match against Adelaide signalling the halfway mark of the regular season, the Western Sydney Wanderers are looking odds on to take it all the way. After going winless over the first three games of the season, Tony Popovic’s men are now unbeaten in nine.

While December 19th’s 2-2 draw with the Glory saw their winning streak stop at seven, the following 2-0 victory over the Jets on Christmas Eve left everyone wary of the Wanderers once more. However, with Adelaide coming to town off the back of 10 points from the last 12 on offer, the home side will no doubt take plenty caution come kick off.

After a dismal start to the campaign, United coach Guillermo Armor’s men have finally found some form. As a result, should other results swing in their favour, a win at Wanderland this weekend will take them into the top six. The Reds will welcome back Eli Babalj and Iacopo La Rocca to the squad for this Friday’s New Years Day encounter; a much-needed dose of physical presence.

Meanwhile, Andreu’s return from suspension will be a positive boost for a Western Sydney side that has relied heavily on he and Dimas’ control and vision in the midfield. As previously mentioned, while a victory for the away side could see them inch closer to a top six berth, a win for the Wanderers could see them extend their lead atop the table to as much as five.

With both sides entering this fixture in fine form, this will certainly be an entertaining match to watch. And although their last encounter back in Round 2 produced a 1-1 draw, there is no doubt that a winner will emerge come the final whistle this time around.